
ofJTTTt^ 



WILD MAB, 

A BORDER DRAMA, 

IN FOUR ACTS, 

BY 

MlnniB PdIsuh; 




•—TO WHICH IS ADDED 

DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES-CAST OF THE CHARACTERS-. 

ENTRANCES AND EXITS-RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE 

PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLB 

OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. 



Evlered according to act of Congress in the year 1891, 5!A 

AMES' PVBLISHINO CO., 
Ml the office of the Librarian of Congress at WashingtoTU 



' CLYDE, OHIO^ 

AMES' PUBLISHING 00. 



\\'. ^. 



CAST OF CHABACTEBS, 

As played by the Poison Family. 

Jack Thorn, a villain J. W. W. Poison 

Pete Hart, Jack's accomplice William Fenton 

Bert Allen, a private detective H. S. Poison 

Geokgb Evans, a hanker /. W. W. Poison 

Sambo, a colored servant B. 0. Poison 

WILD MAB, child of the We:>t Miss Minnie Poison 

Jane, an old hag Mrs. Steila Poison 

Sebvant, in Evan's employ. J. C. Poison 



COST UMES—MODEBN. 



TIME OF PLAYIN9—1:A5. 



STA GE DIRECTIONS. 

«., means Right; l., Left; r. f., Riphl Hand; l. b.. Left Hand; o., Cenire; g. s.j 
IM E.,] Second Zntrance; v. k., Upper Entrance; m. d., Middle Door; p., the Fla* 
i.F.,Door in Flat; H. c, Right of Centre; l.c. Left of Centre. 



%• The reader if supposed tc le npon the stage facing the audience. 



WILD MAB. 



ACT I. 

SCENE I— Parlor in Mr. Evans' Western home— chairs R. and L, 
table c. 

Mr. Evans discovered sitting by table, reading. 

Mr. Evans. Well, well, it seems queer Mr. Allen has not called 
before this, {passes hand over forehead) Let me think! It's beein 
fourteen long years since my infant child was stolen from me, 
and Jack Thorn, the black villain, said she was dead ; yet, ]i{r. 
Allen says there is a girl in Devil's Camp that they call Wild Mab, 
and he believes her to be my child. Can I cherish hope for one 
moment? Can I — ah, no I they are gone, all gone — wife, child, all 
dead — with one mighty sweep the grim hand of death took them 
from me. Ah, bitter, bitter woe! (lays head on table .■ 

Enter, Bert Allen, l. 1 e. — sees Evans, goes to him and lays hand 
on shoulder. 

Bert Allen. Why this distress, my friend? I have come to bring 
you good news. So cheer up and have hope. I go now to ascertain 
the truth, (goes r.) Mr. Evans, is there nothing I can do for you 
before I go ? 

Emns. Ah, Bert, my boy, how little you know of this world's 
woe, and, please God, you may never know ! Bert, tell me agaiu 
what she is like. Wild Mab, I mean ! {lays hand on his shoulder 

Allen. Ah, as fine a girl as I ever saw! curly brown hair, flash- 
ing black eyes, a round face and dimpled chin, little white hands 
and feet like fairies. Ah, gir, as near like that picture on the tablOj 
as if they were one and the same. (pointing to picture 

Evans. Can it be? Oh, shall I hope ? Bert, if it should prov3 
false it would kill me. Bert, shall I hope? (clasping his hand 

Allen. Yes, hope on and be of good cheer. All will yet be right. 
I must go now, for it will be dark before I get out there. Good-by, 
I will see you soon. (exit l. 1 e, 

Eeans. "^ (watching him off) Good-by and God speed thee, my nol'Ja 
boy. Ah, 'tis bitter anguish that I feel to-day I 



Wild mab. 

Enter, Servant, l. 

Servant. If you please, ?ir, lliere's a gentleman in the back pat* 
lor to see you. 

Evans. Tell him I will be there directly. (Servant courtesies — 
exit u) Who can it be, I wonder? The least thing unnerves me 
to-day. {exit k. 1 e» 

SCENE Il^Interior of cab'in — broken chairs r. and l. — table e. oJ 
fire-place, 

Jane discovered sitting by fire-place — smoking. 

Jane. I wonder whar that gal is? (limps to door and looks out). 
She'll be the death of me yet. Confound her ! Why didn't we kill 
her anyway — might as well have the game as the name. I — 

Enter, Jack Thorn, l. 

Jack Thorn. Why don't you kill her then? (Jane shrinks back 

Jane. What I You back again? 

Jack. Yes, are you very nuich surprised? 

Jane. I thought you had left the country till fall. 

Jack. I couldn't make up my mind to leave Wild Mab alone with 
you. 

Jane. Couldn't leave Wild Mab with me? Do ye think I can't 
take care on her? (angrily) Hain't I as good as 5'^e are? 

Jack. No, you hain't, confound your rotten carcass! 

Jane. Wal," jest ye look here — 1 am her guardian and don't ye 
fergit it ! (shaking her fiat in his face 

Jack, (sneeringly) Yes, a fine guardian you are, ain't you? 

Jane. I'm jest as good as ye. Jack Thorn ! (still shaking her fist 
in his face) Liar ! fool ! I'm jest as good as ye are and a darn sight 
better, Jack Thorn! I— 1 

Jack, (steps in front of her) Woman, how dare you shake your 
fist in my fac3 ? You old hag ! 

June. Ye devil ! ye black leg! ye human man-eater! ye— 

Jack. Call me anything but yonr own name, you hound ! 

He grabs her by the throat, pushes her into chair and holds her there. 

Jane. Let me alone and I'll help ye git the gal. I'll help ye. 
Jack! 

Jack, (releasing her) Yes, you'll do that, 1 dare say I but, see 
here, Jane, if you dare to harm one hair of her innocent head, I'll 
kill you, do you hear? 

Jane. Lor, I won't hurt her, Jack, I won't hurt her ! 

Jack. Y'ou had better see that you don't, mind now ! What time 
will she return? (crossing to l. and closing door 

Jane. The Lord only knows! When that gal starts off", there'3 
no telling when slie'll come back, (noise outside) Hark! that'a 
her pony ! {they go to windoio and look out-^then sit again 

Mab. (outside) Here, you coon, take toy pony! Come here I 
What are you sneaking round there for? 

Sambo, (outside) l"se comin', missie, I'se comin' ! I'se gitting 
mighty old and feeble now days; ain't near as spry as I used to was! 



WILD MAB. 5 

Enter, Wild Mab, singing, "Down Went McGinty, etc." 

Mab. What — j'ou here again? (glancing from one to the other 

Jack. Well, it looks that way, don't it? Mab, I couldn't leave 
yon ainono; these wild plains. 

31ab. Oh, you couldn't, eh! Well, I want you to understand 
this mucli, I am able to take care of myself end don't you forget it! 

Jack. Come, Mab, let's shake hands and make up ! 

(advancing to her, holding out hand 

Slab. No, sir! I wasn't brought up to shake hands with every- 
body I happened to meet. {stepping back from him 

Jane. Ye might as well give up fer when Mab says a thing, she 
means it. (laughs 

Jack. I think you're about right, Jane, (sits) Well, Jane, isn't 
it about supper time? (goes to door — business of getting supper 

Jane. Come, gal, fly round and help ! (Mab Jills tea-kettle 

Jack. While you're getting supper, I'll go and look after' the 
horses. 

He passes Mab just as she lifts tea-kettle— she splashes water on him— 
he jumps and yells. 

Mab. (laughing) Did it hurt you much? 

Jack. Does hot water hurt you ? 

Mab. Hot water might, but cold — never! 

Jack. Cold water! "Do you mean to say that was cold water? 

Mab. Yes, just as cold as this. (throwing water in his face 

Jack. Dam you, I'll pay you for that! (springs toward her 

Mab, [draws pistol) Ah, my friend, not while my name is Wild 
Mab ! ' (aims pistol at his heart 

Jnck. Mab, for God's sake, don't ! (starts back 

Mab. (sneeringly) Are you afraid, coioard? 

Jack. Only for your sake, Mab; I couldn't bear to have your 
hands stained with blood. 

Mab. Kealljr, Jack, I never thought you had so much heart. 

Jane. Come, ye fools, supper is ready ! (all sit at table 

Enter, Sambo, hurriedly, c. 

Sambo, (excited) Oh, Lor' missie, dar's a — 

3fab. (jumps tip) Hush, you coon ! (puts hand over his mouth) 
Now if you can talk without yelling, you can tell us what's the 
matter. (removing hand 

Sambo. 'Deed, missie, dar's a ghost out to de barn. 'Deed dar is, 
missie, I — I seed him myself! (looking meekly about 

Mab. Well, what wex'e you doing when you saw it? 

Sambo. Well, you see, i'se prayin' fo' massa Jack and you ; den 
I turn round and dar stood dat ghost, and he jess scart me mos' to 
deff. (trembling and glancing about 

Mab. What did it look like ? 

Sambo. Oh, missse, doan — doan ask me dat. He's great big man, 
and he jess stand dar and look so sorry like. Golly, missie, 1 doan 
go dar any mo' — no, sah! 

Jack, (jumps up) You black idiot, what do you mean by telling 
such stuff":" 

Sambo, (aside) Golly, massa doan like it hisse'f! (aloud) Oh, 
hope 1 nebbcr stir I 

Jack. I'll shoot you down like a dog! {drawing pistol 



e WILD MAB. 

Mab. {stepping between them — drawing pistol) Do it, if you dare, 
Jack Tliorn ! You can't harm Sambo while I am alive ! 

Jack. Girl, what do you mean? 

Mab. I mean this, villain, that when you shoot this man, it will 
be over my dead body — not till then ! 

SCENE III— Same as Scene M. — Jane smoking, L. — Jack, k. — Mab 
L. — Sambo, k. 

Jane. Seems tu me that ]i;;ht's mighty poor. Trim it up a little, 
Mab, will ye ? 

Mab. {tries to trim it — gets burned — drops it and tries to pick it up) 
Gee whiz! it burns like the deuce! Oh, oh, oh! (dances about) 
Confound it-— next time you want your old lamp trimmed, you can 
do it yourself! (trims it and sets it down) There, I guess that will 
do! (knock c. T).) Hark, what's that — a visitor? {aside) If it is, 
he comes to a darn 2:)oor place. 

Enter, Beet Allen, c. d. 

Allen, {aside) .Jack Thorn, as I live ! (aloud) Good evening! 
(aside) I'll have to put on a bold face, now. 

Jack, (rising) Sir, why do you come here? 

Allen. Because I am a stranger in these parts and have lost my 
way. Can I stay here to-night? I will journey on in the morning. 

(sits in chair c. 

Jack, (aside) Not so sure about his journeying on ! (aloud) I 
suppose you can stay to-night at any rate. Jane, you can fix liim 
a bed on the cot. {exit, Jane, r. 1 e. 

3Iab. Sambo, go to your work. 

Sambo, (aside toMAB) Lor', missie, dat feller am my ghost, 
Buah I (exit c. ». 

Jack, (aside) Guess I'll lay for him ! (exit c. D. 

Mab. Well, sir, do you know where you are? 

Allen. Yes, I am in the presence of the prettiest girl I ever saw. 

(smiling at her 

Mab. Are you? Well, I can tell you something else. You are 
in the worst place this side of^ahem ! and you'll have to fight like 
the deuce to get out alive. 

Allen. Well, I know that; and T know this is Devil's Catnp, run 
by Jack Thorn, and that yo>i are Wild Mab. 

Mab. How did you find that out? Who are you ? 

Allen. I am Beit Alltn, a private detective, (throws back coat 
and shows badge) I am hunting for a girl that was stolen fourteen 
years ago. Probably you could help me. 

Mab. Me? Heavens, I hain't seen a kid for so long, unless you 
would call Jane one, and that ain't likely. Ha, ha, ha! 

Allen. Well, no — ha, ha, ha! (slaps hand on knes 

Mab. Mr. Allen, tell me what I look like. {goes to him 

Allen. You look like an innocent child, and, by Heaven, I'd 
stake my life on it! 

Mab. Listen! I go now to watch hijn! Wait patiently till I 
return. (goes l., theii exit c. u. 

Allen (rising) Well, this seems good, I must say. I, Bert Allen, 
in a Devil's Camp for tlie first time in my life and probably for the 
last, unless that girl in some way saves me from that hound. Hist! 
there's some one coming. I'll sit here and wait. {sits r. 



WILD MAB. 7 

Enter, Mab, Imrriedly, c. D. 

Muh. Mr. Allen, I will help you all I can ; bnt you are in for it 
iiow. If you have a pistol, use it every time you get a chance. 
N'ow, be on your guard. (ea;ii R. d. 

Enter, Jane, l. 1 e., with cot. 

Jane, {fixing cot) Now, Mr. whatever yer name might be, ye 
fan roll in whenever j^e like. (exit L. 1 e. 

Allen. Well, I'll risk it anyway, so here goes! 

{lays down and sleeps 

Enter, Jack, through window. 

Jack. A dead man tells no ta'es. 

(draws knife and creeps to cot — raises knife as if to strike 

Enter, Mab, c, pistol aimed at Jack. 

Mai). Jack Thorn, drop that knife or you are a dead man 1 

Jack, (turns and sees her — springs at her) Damn you, I'll kill 
you, too ! {she fires pistol — Jack falls heavily to floor 

Allen, (springs up — bends over him) I am afraid you have killed 
him. 

Mab. Would to God I had, but no such luck ! he'll be all right in 
a few days. 

Enter, Jane, l. 1 e., hurriedly. 

Jane. What's tlie matter? Who fired? 

Mab. I did, and I'll send a bullet through you first thing you 
know! Now, Mr. Allen, if you'll h«lp me, we'll put him on that 
cot. {they put Jack on cot — Mab goes to Jane, c.) Jane, did you 
know what he intesided to do? 

Jane, {doggedly-"^ No, gal; how should I know? If I had, I 
would have stopjjedlrim. 

Mab. Woman, you lie ! You knew just as well as I did. It isn't 
the first time you have helped him in his b'pody work, yon old hag! 
I would like to send a bullet crashing through your brain. 

{pushes Jane /rom her 

Jane. Gal, how dare ye talk to me like that? 

Mab. How dare I? You know well enough why I dare. I give 
you one minute to leave this room or suff'er — you know what. 
(points pistol as Jank exits l. 1 e.) Now, Mr. Allen, go out to the 
barn, take the first horse you come to, and leave this place forever, 

Allen. Wild Mab, how can 1 thank you for your timely inter- 
ference? Brave, noble girl, fly with me. I cannot go and leave 
you here with that wretch! — will you come? 

Mab. Ah, you do not know me, and 1 don't know you ; perhaps 
you would betray me. 

Allen. Mab, do I look like that kind of a man ? 

Mab. Ah, does that man look like a murderer? Life is so deceit- 
ful ; Mr. Allen, for the last time I say good-bye and God speed you 
on your way, (offers hand, which he takes 

Allen. Good-bye, but not forever, for some day I will come again 
to claim you for my own, may 1 ? _ (clasps her in his arms 



S WILD MAB. 

Mob. If you dare! (Jack staggers toioard them) Fly for your 
life, and the heart of Wild Mab goes with you ! 
Allen. God bless you, Mab I (exit, c. d., hurriedly 

Mab. {as Jack puts fingers in mouth to lohistle — Mab drawing 
knife) If you make a sound I'll out the heart out of you— and you 
know when I say a thing I mean it ! (they stand as if to spring 

Enter, Sambo, c. d., hurriedly — seizes Jack and throws him R. C. 

Sambo. I — golly, I'se so scat I feel pale all ober ! [scratches his 
head) Lor', I guess he tink so, too! 

CSambo bending over Jack, r. c. — Mab, l. c. — tableau 

END OP ACT I. 

CUKTAIN. 



ACT II. 

SCENE I— Wood. Large rock, l. 3 e. 
Enter, Mab, r. 1 e. 

Mab. (singing) "If a body meet a body, 

Coming thro' the rye. 

If a body kiss a body, 

Need a body cry." 
— looking I..) Once more fiee as air ! I wonder if I could dance. 
Let's see — first one step, then two — well, here goes! (dances polka, 
sings tra, la, la, etc.) I'm a masher! I'm a dasher! I'm a slasher! 
I'm a coon ! ( specialty business — dances viildly about 



Enter, Allen, cautiously, l. 3 b. 

Allen, (aside) Ah, better luck than I expected; dance on, my 
happy girl! (she runs against him — he catches her and holds her) 
Ah, caught at last, Wild Mab ! 

Mab. Where did you spring from? 

Allen. From the cabin yonder. I am trying to ficd out some- 
thing. 

Mab. But they will kill you ! 

Allen. No they won't— they don't know me. 

Mab. Oh, I see — you fix up different, {imitates disguising herself) 
This Avay ? (laughing) Ain't it fun to fool 'em ? 

Allen. Do you think so? Well, Mab, what do you think of me? 

Mab. Well, I kinder think you're all right. Sambo does too; 
but say, what are you here for? {glancing shyly at him 

Allen. Because I love you, Mab. I want you to go away with 
me — I can make you happy. Will you come with me, dearest"? 
Say yes, and make me happy. 

Mab. Mr. Allen, your talk is very fine; but how can I tel] 
whether you mean it or not? Ah, man, if j-ou mean to deceive me, 
look out — that's all ! 

Allen. Mab, can't you learn to love and believe me? If yt-tJ 
only knew how I love you ! (kisses hay 



WILD MAB. 9 

Mob. (angrily) Mr. Allen, I never gave you permission to Iviss 
me — now go ! 

Allen. Mab, forgive me — I couldn't help it! 

Mab. Go, sir! (points — Allen exit l. 3 e.) Couldn't help it, eh? 
Well, I'll show him I ain't made of dough ! {sits on rock) Mrs. 
Allen — Mrs. Mab Allen! Oh, how nice that sounds! Mrs. Mab 
Thorn — horrible! I wouldn't marry him if he were the last man 
on earth; no, I wouldn't! {noise outside — springs up) Hist, some- 
one's coming! I'll hid behind this rock and listen. 

Enter, Jack aizdPEXE Hart, r 1. e. — Jack has arm in sling. 

Jack. Well, Pete, I tell you, it's got to be done or she'll kill us 
all. 

Fete Hart. Wal, I s'pose so — it's a darn dirty job; but I'll do it, 
boss ! 

Jack. I tell you, Pete, she'll either mairy me willingly or I'll 
force her to ; but something will have to be done to get Sambo out 
of the way. 

Fete. Yes, he'll blow, sure's shootin' ! If he'd tell Wild Mab 
who she was, it would be all up with us, sure nuff! 

Jack. Ah, Pete, that job 1 did fourteen years ago was a devilish 
one. I'll never forget it as long as I live — try as 1 will, I can't! 

Fete. Wal, I'll trap her if I can ; it's a darn dirty trick, but I'll 
do it— I'll do it. Jack ! 

Jack. Eemember, don't blunder, for it might prove fatal — 
retnember! 

(exit, Jack, l. 1 e. — Pete, e. 1 e. — Mab creeps from hiding-place 

Mab. {hand to breast) All, that's your game, is it? But I'll 
spoil it for j'^ou, my friends. Oh, how it hur:s me in here! {lat,3 
hand on heart) Sambo, poor Sambo! They shall not harm him, I 
swear it! I'll go and look for him. {looks off i..) Ah, hbre hs 
comes now I 

Enter, Sambo, cautiously, h. 1 e. 

Sambo. Golly, I jess 'scaped and dat's all I Golly, I wonder -»vh;ir 
missie Mab am ! 

JIab. {slaps him on shoulder) Hallo, Sambo ! 

Sambo, (throws up hands — frightened) I — Golly, whar did you 
come from? 

Mab. I don't know, Sambo; but I want you to tell me all about 
it. Now, first of all, tell me who I am. I want the truth. 

Sambo. Tut, tut, chile, not so loud ! In de fust place, your 
father is a gentleman, and your mother is dead. One night four- 
teen years ago, your father, mother, you and me, all go cross de 
country fo' health. Your mother's health was bery poor ; we got 
lost; den we see a light and we go to it. We ask dat feller Jack, if 
we can stay all night and he says yes; we go to bed. Pretty su'oii 
two men come, take you and gib you to dat ole hag, Jane; dey tie 
me in de barn and den dey send massa and missie off in de iii2;h^j 
and I neber see dem any mo' ! {wipes eyes with coat slav-B 

Mab. Tell me where they live and what my name is, quick! 

Sambo. Dey lib in Florence and your name is Mabel Evans. 

Mab. Thank God — oh, thank God! (kneels c.) I here swea.r la 
avenge my father's wrongs. 

2ambo- Amen, missie, amen. Why, chile, you look jess Ilka 



10 WILD MAB. 

your mother. I'd know you in a minute ; yes, missie, 'deed 1 
would. 

Mah. Ah, Sambo, you don't Ivnow what a load is lifted from my 
heart. (throws arms about his neck and weeps 

Sambo. Tut, tut, chile, brace up; you neber fear. Jack won't 
hurt you. Dar, dar, chile, you git sick, bery sick if you take on 
dis way. 

Mab. God bless you. Sambo ! 

ISambo. Dar, honey, now you'se all right. Massa Jack won't 
liurt you. I won't let him. 

Mab. Hurt me— ah, let him try it once! (Zoois l.) Oh, my God! 
here lie comes. (starts r. 

Sambo. Eun, missie, run — I'll stay here and listen. 

[exit Mab, k. — Sambo sits on rock and whistles 

Enter, Jack, l. 1 e. 

Jack, (see Sambo) What In the deuce are you doing here? 

Sambo, [rolling his eyes) Can't you see I'se restin'. 

Jack. You were talking to some one ; I heard you. 

Sambo, (aside) Golly, 1 wonder if he did? (aloud) Oh, you'se 
fco'.in' now ain't youy I was jess sayin' my prayers, massa, I — I — 

•lack. Shut your jaw or I'll smash it for you. 

Sambo. Golly, you can't smasli dis jaw in one blo>v — no, sah ! 
Better not try it, massa. 

Jack. I'll shoot your old head off if you don't tell m3 the Gospel 
truth about— 

Sambo. 'Deetl, you know heap 'bout Gospel truth, doan you? 

[holds sides and laughs 

Jack. Shut up, you fool ! Sambo, if you ever give away any- 
thing, I'll kill you — do you hear? 

Sambo. Gib 'way anyting; Aval, now, how de debble am to gib 
'way anyting when I ain't got nothin' to gib? 

Jack. Ha, ha, ha! that's very true. Sambo; but you know what 
1 mean. i 

Sambo, (laughs) Yes, you tole me dat fourteen years ago, 
massa. (Jack shudders — aside) Golly, he doan like it. 

Jack. You black imp, I will kill you ! [springs at him 

Enter, Mab, r. — aiming pistol at Jack. 
Mab. Touch him if you dare ! 

SCENE II— Woods— Night. 
Enter, Sambo and Jack, r, 3 e. 

Jack. Well, Sambo, do you think Wild Mab knows anything 
about that aflf'^ir? 

Sambo. 'Deed I don't, least ways she neber say anyting to dis 
chile, [aside) Gory mighty, what a whopper dat w;is! 

Jack, (looking at him sternly) Are you telling me the truth? 
Don't you dare to lie to me. 

Sambo. Golly, yes — I neber told a lie in my life but once 
(aside) Gosh, I guess he can see clear through me! 

Jack. Only once — and when w;i>; that? 

Sambo. Long time ago, massa, it w;is down in Virgiuia, when I 
went to school; oh, Lordy I (laughs) I put a pin on dc ciuiii-— do 



WILD MAB. 11 

school maara's chair and, ob course she sot down on chit phi. Ha, 
ha, ha I Oh, golly, I jess see her now, 1 kin. 

Jack, {sneeringly) Well, did she stay there? 

Sambo. Say, niassa, would you stay dar if ^'ou was she? Golly, 
I ^uess not ! Ha, ha, ha ! 

Jack. Well never mind now; let's get home. 

Sambo. Yes, doan care if I do ; I'se ready, massa. {exeunt L. 1 E. 
Enter, Pete, k. 1 e. — looks around. 

Pete. Confound it, anjMvaj' ! Jack wants to marry the girl, and 
still he is afraid of her ; he hinted about slmtting her up, but he 
■won't let me touch her. Ah, here comes Pat ! 

Enter, Allen, disguised as Pat, r. 3 e. 

— Well, Pat, did you see anything of her? {looks about 

Fat. Ough, the divil a bit did I see! Sure, I can't git me hand 
on her at all, at all. (spifs on hands) Ah, I'd loike to jist git my 
hands on her, so I would I 

Fete. Wal, maybe A'er'll have a chance purty soon. 

Fat. Yis, sor; that's what I'd loike. Yis, sor; I'd show ye fellers 
that I could handle the gal — faith, an I would! 

Fete. Wal, come along, Pat, and we'll scoot around a bit. 

Fat. Och, divil a bit will I go now. Sure, and I'll be after 
Icokin' round by mesilf, go I will! 

Fete. Jest as ye like, I don't care I (exit r. 1 e 

Fat, {loatches him off — takes off lohiskers) Yes, and I will keep 
my eyes and ears open to all that happens. Ah, you little know 
who I am; but you'll tind out in time. If I can only induce Wild 
Mab to go away with me, I'll show you how I can manage the girl. 

{puts on lohiskers— exit R. 1 B. 

SCENE III— Interior of Cahin—JkSK smoking, r. c. , 
Enter, Mab, c. d. 

Jane. Wharyebeen? 

Mab. What do .you want to know for — so you can tell Jjick? 

Jane, (doggedly) Wal, I think he ought to know whar his future 
wife goes to. 

Mab. You do, eh ? If you mean rae, you'd better ask Wild Mab 
if you can, before you give any titles. 

Jane. 1 ain't givin' aiiy— whatever j^e call 'era. 

Mab. {throiuing up hat and catching it) Don't know what titles 
is, whew ! Say, old gal, where was you raised, eh? 

Jane. Wasn't raised at a 1, I growed up. 

Mab. That's what I thought; but you grew in a very bad place. 
Say, wasn't you and Jack picked off the same tree? Ha, ha, ha! 
Whew ! I wouldn't be in your shoes for love nor money. 

{dances about with chair 

Jane. Shct up, ye fool — or don't j'e know enough? 

Mab. 'J'hat part of my education was badly neglected. I never 
learned to shut up. (letting chair fall 

Jane. Get out with ye! 

Mab. I don't have to— I just came in. 

Enter, Jack, c. d. — catches Mab in his arms. 
Jack. Mab, you're the handsomest girl I ever saw. 



12 WILD MAB. 

Mob. {pushes him atmy) Hold on, sonny, T don't allow every- 
body sucli liberties, and ninch less you, Jack Thorn! 

Jack. Say, Mab, 1 feel mighty queer lately ; what do you think 
ails me? ,- 

Mab. (leaning on back of chair) Probably the small pox or brain 
fever. 

Jack. No, it's love! I love you, Mab, and you know it, don't 
you, darling? 

Mab. {shaking head) Don't you darlhig me, I wa n't raised a 
pet. 

Jack. Mab, I could make a great lady of you, if you would be 
my wife. 

Mab. {eyeing him sharply) Say, Jack, why don't you tell me 
who I am, and where my parents are, ancl all about it? 

Jack. Because I don't know wlun-e they are. 

Mab. Is that so? Don't you know that I would have to have 
another name before 1 could marry you? 

Jack. Oh, that cuts no figger with me ! 

{puts hands in pants pocket 

Mab. Well, I wants you to understand that it cuts a big figger 
with WiW Mab. (brings fist down on table 

Jack. Come, Mab, don't quarrel with me. Give me a kiss. 

(going toioard her 

Mab. I ain't built that way ! Say, Jack, you are black all over. 

Jack, (going to looking-glass) Am I— what with ? 

Mab. (speaking slowly) "With sin! (Jack raises hand to strike — 
Mab folds aims and faces him) You had better use the dagger, it 
will go deeper. Strike! strike! 1 tell you and may the curse of 
Mabel Evans haunt you as long as you live ! 

Jack. Have a care, Mab, how you speak to me ! 

Enter, Pei% c. d., throios coat over Mab, and carries her off, R. 1 s;., 
screaming. 

ACT III. 

SCENE I — Hoom in cabin — chair, r. — table, L. — cot, c. 

Mab discovered laying on cot. 

Mab. {sitting np and putting tied hands to head) Where am I? 

Oh, I remember, now! (clinches fist — loalks about room) I am traped, 

traped, and what for ! {goes to door and pounds — then to icindav) and 

screams — taring ing hands) Oh, merciful Heavens, help me! Oh, 

Sambo, Sambo, where are you? Help, help! Oh, liow this rope 

hurts my hiinds. Oh, God, give me freedom once more! {sits by 

table) If I could only die— if 1 could only die! (noise outside) Hark! 

someone is coming. 

Pete, {outside) Oh, the devil ye say— ye needn't think ye can 
fool me, for ye can't! I watch the gal jist as close as a mouse. Oh, 
I will, I will ! 
Jack, ioutsidf) Well, what did you tie her little hands for? 

(she starts 
Pete, {outside) Wal, ye sec them little hands slapped me once, 
and I am having revenge, see? If ye don't like it ye can kick and 
be blowed ! 
Jack, (outside) Give me the key — I will talk with her. 

(Mab sits at table and bows head 



WILD MAB. 13 

Enter, Jack, c. d.— sees Mac. 

Jack, (aside) Ah, she feels kind of sore about it ! I will try and 
bring her to time, {aloud) Mab, I regret that this has happened ! 
Dearest, look up; I have come to release you. Darling, I love you 
and I will make you a good husband. Mab, I am not the man you 
think me; 1 am not a murderer — I am innocent of that crime. Mab, 
be mine ! (kneels by her — she raises hands above head 

Mab. Prove it, Jack Thorn ! Pjove it to the world, and I will 
believe you ; but not till then. Ah, not till then ! 

(Jack starts up and catches her in his arms 

Jack. Ah, Mab, you have given me hope ! Say that you love 
me! 

Mab. (pushes him back) Say that I love you ? No, never — never! 
What have you done to make me love you? Jack Thorn, I hate 
you— I loathe your very name, villain that you are ! Untie my 
hands if you love me ; this rope cuts me so. 

Jaek. (searching to see if she has revolver) Mab, I will untie the 
rope, to show you that I love you. 

(unties rope and throws it on table 

Mab. Thank God, I am free once more ! Jack, I am grateful to 
you for untying my hands ; I'll never forget you for that. 

Jack. Mab, I ask you once more to become my wife, and I'll 
make you happy ; refuse, and suffer torture of the worst kind ; what's 
your answer ? 

Mab. Villian, I'll starve first! I'd die before I'd be your wife! 
Leave me before I go wild — go I (pointing to D. 

Jack, [holds out arms) Mab, come now or never I 

Mab. Never, Jack Thorn, never! Go, I tell you, go ! 

Jack. I will go, but you will be sorry for this ! (exit c. D. 

Mab. (picks up chair and throws it after him) Take that, you 
devil ! 

Enter, Pete, c. d., hurriedly. 

Pete, (advancing threateningly) What do jcr mean by that, gal? 

Mab. I mean that you will get the chai; uver your head, if you 
don't get out of here. (picking up chair as if to strike 

Fete. Wal, now I'd like to see ye do it — darned if I wouldn't! 

Mab. I never disappoint any one when I can help it. 

(she hurls chair 
Pete throws hand up to head— squeezes sponge filled with red — then 
staggers back — springs toward Aer— Mab chokes him and he falU 
heavily to floor, 

Mab. Oh, merciful heaven , what have I done? 
Enter, Pat and Sambo, r. 1 e. 
— Oh, Pete, speak to me! Speak, I beg of you! (bends over him) 
Dead! dead : and I his murderer— I? Oh, God in heaven, you ais 
my witness ! 

'Pat \ 

& > (starting forward) And so are we ! 

Sambo. ) 

Mab. (screams — springs past them) Don't touch me ! 

(runs out c. D. 

Pat. Sambo, that girl is as innocent as you or I. (bending over 
Pete) Pete! Pete, what the divil ye slapin' here for — are ye 
drunk or dramin' ? Come, get up, ye spalpeen ! (Pete groans} 



U WILD MAS. 

Ocli, ye lazy baste, git up ! (Pets »-»'ses and looks arouno 

Fete. Whar is the gal ! What yer been doiii', say? 

Sambo. We doaii know, massa, but she done gone; yes, sah; she 
ain't nowhar! 

Fete. Then go and hunt for her. 

Allen. Devil a bit will I hunt! Faith an ye can't foind her any 
way. 

Fete. Wal, if she don't turn up before long we know what to ex- 
pect, that's all! I'll go and tell Jack and ye fellers hunt the gal or 
get a taste of this ! (points pistol— exit, c. v. 

Fat. Now is our chance, come on ! 

Sambo. Gory mighty, I jess so tickled I doan know whar to go 
fust ! 

Fat. Co:ne, Sambo, we must get to Florence before Mab does 
come on ! (starts off, R. 

Sambo. I'se coming, massa, I' se coming! (xolly, I feels like I 
used to was when old manmy would gib dis child warm pap ! Golly, 
I jess take dat little joker long wid me. [takes pistol— exit k 

SCENE II — Woods. Scream heard outside. 

Mab. (outside) Get up, Prince, my noble horse ! Oh, God — he 
has broken his leg ! Prince — Prince, I must leave you. Oh, why 
couldn't I be saved this sorrow? It seems that everything goes 
against me. Dead! Ah, Prince, my pet, I wish I, too, were dead. 
Farewell, my noble steed ! 

Enter, Mab, k. 1 e. 

— Which way shall I go? Merciful Heavens, I am lost — lost! 
Where shall 1 go? Ah, Father in Heaven, guide my steps, (shouts 
and whistles, r.) Oh, they are coming after me — they shall not take 
me — I will hide. (runs off l. 1 e. 

Enter, Pat and Sambo, k. 1 e., hurriedly. 

Sambo. Golly, marsa, I'se mos' out ob breaf ! I jess run as fast, 
as I can and den she done get up and leave. Golly, it jess broke dis 
chile's heart — I heard it snap when the string broke. 

Pat. Oh, innocence, you're all right! Come on, probably we 
can overtake her before long. 

Sambo. I hope so, I hope so, massa ; but I'se feared we can't. 

Fat. Well, we'll try. Sambo, and with God's help, we will suc- 
ceed, (exit L. 3 K. 

Sambo. Amen, massa . amen ! (exit l. 3 e. 

SCEJSfE III— Parlor in Mr. Evans' house— table, r. c.—sofa^ 
L. — chairs, r. and l. 

Mab discovered on sofa. Mr. Evans bending over her. Allen (&k4 
Sambo, r. 

Evans. Ah, Bert, I feel as one in a dream. It seems to good t3 
be true. 

Sambo. Yes, dat's what I tink, massa. I tink I wake up bery 
soon and flu' I'se been sleepiu'. (scratches head and pinches himself 



WILD MAS. U 

i:vans. Well, Sambo, you will remain with me, whether you 
wake up or not, {extending hand to him 

Sambo, {taking hand and shaking) Bress de I-ord ! Bress de Lord ! 
Massa Ebans jess clean gone on dis chile, Ruah ! {laughs 

Allen. Ha, ha, Sambo, old boy! You feel almost as young as 
you used to, don't you? {slapping him on shoulder 

Sambo. Almost? Why, massa Allen, you doan knovv what you 
talkin' bout! Golly, I'se mos' tickled to deaf! {laughs 

Mab. {raising up) Where am I? Sambo, don't let them hurt 
me! Please don't! {holds out arms piteously to him 

Sambo, (going to her) Dar, dar, missie, dey won't hurt you. 
We's all right, Mab; we's to dat place I tole you 'bout, see, missie? 
Ole Sambo done take care ob you, honey. Dis place am de city ob 
Florence, whar you was born, chile ; dis place am all right. 

{piits arm around her 

Mab. Who's that man over there? (points to Evans— sees 
Allen) Oh, there's the Irishman— take me away ! Don't let him 
touch me — don't I 

Evans, (bends over her) Mabel, my child, you are safe here. 

Mab. {springs up from sofa — kneels at his jeet, loeeping) Oh, sir, 
have pity on a poor girl — save me, please save me from them ! I 
never meant to kill him; indeed I didn't! He dared me to strike 
him. I was wild with grief and I struck him ; he would have killed 
me but I choked him to death. I didn't mean to— oh. sir, have 
mercy on me I 

Evans. What's this you say, child ? I don't understand ; tell me 
all about it. {raises her in his arms — gently strokes her hair 

Mab. Sambo told me that my name was Mabel Evans and that 
my father lived in Florence, my mother was dead and Jack Thorn 
stole me when I was a little baby; that's all I know about my pa- 
rents. One night Jack and I quarreled and I told him to strike me 
and the curse of Mable Evans would haunt him as long as he lived; 
he dropped into a chair and Pete, throwing :i coat over my head, 
carried me off and locked me in a room. J rk came to me and 
offered to marry me. I refused and we hai u quarrel ; Pete heard 
the noise and rushed into the room. 1 was wild with rage. I 
choked him — I think I killed him ; but don't let them touch me I 

{clings to him helplessly 

Evans. There, there, child, no one can harm you here. Go witli 
the servant, you will find some clothes ready for you and when you 
are dressed, come to me; 1 will be in this room. All will yet come 
right, {leads her to door — exit Mab, r, 3 e.) At last I have found 
hei'. 1 have waited so long, oh, so long! but those villains shall be 
made to sufler for this. Ah, my angel wife, if you had but lived to 
see this happy day! Ah, Bert — you know not how I feel towards 
you ! I never can repay you and Sambo. 

Allen. Mr. Evans, I ask nothing for what I have done. 

Sambo. Golly, massa, if you'll let dis yer nigger lib wid you and 
missie Mab, I got all I want, {rubs hands together— edges up to him 

Evans. Sambo, j^ou may live with us the rest of your days. 
{looking out K. E.) Ah, here "comes Mabel! I,eave me now— I would 
be alone. (exit Allen and Samso, &^ 

Enter, Mab, r. 3 b. 

Mab. Ah, sir, I will never forget your kindness! May you reap 
your reward in Heaven, for defending a lone girl. 

£«ans. M.abel, my child, can you— that is, will you— well» well^ 



16 WILL MAB. 

I hardly know how to tell you. Mabel, I am your father. Cat 
you realize it? If you believe me, darling, come ! 

{holding out his arms 

Mah. You ! Are you my faiher ? No, no— it cannot be ! Ah, 
sir, do not tempt me ! 

Evans. Mabel, my child, it is fourteen long weary years since 1 
saw you last — will you not believe me? \still holding out arms 

Mah. Ah, sir, I will trust you with my life I {goes to him) but 
tell me all about it. 

Evans. Ah, child, it is very little that I have to tell for Sambo 
has told you all, except that I am your fathe; your mother is dead 
and the gentleman who told you that he was a private detective is 
my best friend — his name is Bert Allen. 

Mah. Bert Allen — why 1 like him ever so much. I'll like him 
better, now that you do. Oh, say, you're too good to last! 

Evans. "Well, we'll see who'll last the longest! {noise heard 
outside) Hark — what's that noise? 

Mah. Oh, Heavens — it's that Irishman again ! {wrings hands 

Voice, {outside) You shall not see her ! Mr. Evans won't let 
you. 

Pat. {outside) The divil he won't! Sure and ye don't onything 
about it — ye list kape still now ! 

Voice, {outside) How do you know she is here? 

Pat. {outside) Faith, and I saw her pretty face in the window 
jist now. Och, let go of me — now, now ! {breaks away^ 

Enter, Pat, l., out of breath. 

— Grcb, here ye are I {bowing to them 

Evans. Where did you come from ? 

Pat. Begob, I came from Devil's Camps, and it's good news I'm 
bringing ye. {turns to Mab, who clings to Evans 

Mah. How did you get here, Pat? 

Pat. The same as ye did, only 1 rode and ye walked. 

Mah. How did you know I was here ? 

Pat, Sure, I followed ye. 

Mab. Pat, did— did— . {aside) Oh, how can I ask him 1 

{turns away 

Pat. Do ye mean Pete? {edging up to her 

Mab. Yes, yes— tell me all ! Tell me all ! {pacing floor 

Pat. And what do you want to know? 

Mah. The worst — the very worst ! 

Pat. Be aisy now, there's no worst about it. Faith, it's all good. 
Sure, it's loike the pills me mother used to take — they be covered 
with sugar. {grinning 

Mab. What do you mean — didn't I kill him ? 

Pat. No; ye ain't got strength enough in thim little hands to 
kill a fly, let alone the devil ! Ha, ha, ha! He jist got up and swore 
like all git out ; he were more scared than hurt, he was, so he was. 

{puts hands in pockets 

Mab. Oh, thank God! What a load is lifted from my heart. 

{throws arms about her father's neck — loeeps 

Pat. (aside) Begorra, I'd loike to be the ould mon mesilf. 

Evans. Well, Pat, you may stay here to-night, if you wish. 

Pat. All roighc, sor; I'll stay wid ye, sor, I will— sure, «ad 1 
will J niver fear about that. 



WILD MAB. If 

Evans. Very well, I bid you good-night, (aside to him) Take 
the same room, Bert. 
Fat. Good-night to ye ! 

Enter, Sambo, l. 

3Iab. Good-night, Pat, may Heaven bless you. 

Pat. Good-night. {taJces her hands) May the ould man niyer 
forgitye. {exit, ' ISI. \-ii and 'Eva'ss, n.) Begorra, 1 wouldn't moind 
Lein' theculd man's ?on-iii-]aw niesilf ! Faith, I wouldn't! (takes off 
disguise) If Jack Thoi-n don't find himself in the divil's own nest, 
then yon can sl<in me for a muslcrat, that's all! Now I am caught 
hut it's a very nice way of being caught. I am caught by the be- 
witching charms of Wild Mab. 

iSambo. Yes, so be 1 1 

END OF ACT HI. 

CUETAIN". 
ACT IV. 

SCENE I— Interior of cabin— Evening at DeviVs Camp, 

Jane discovered smoking — Pete sitting R. 

Jane. I wonder whar Jack is? 

Pete. Hunting for the gal, I suppose. Here he is, now 

Enter, Jack, c. r». — sees Fetk— flies into rage. 

Jack. What are you doing here? 

Pete. Wal. I guess I've got as much right here as yer have, by 
gosh ! I — I 

Jack. 'Not by a dnrn sight! You are to blame for Mab's dis- 
appearance — confound you ! I'll stretch you to the first tree I come 
to in the morning. Where's the Irishman? 

Pete. I don't know; I don't look after every fool what comes 
along now" days. 

Jane. Guess he's gone with that little gal ye raised for yer wife. 
Ha, ba, ha! {knocking ashes out of pipe 

Pete. Look out; he'll h:ing you to the same tree, if you rile him. 

Jane. Yes, an' he'll find out I'm made of as tuff leather as he is. 
'Pears to me I heard someone. (looking E. i 

Pete. You leel scary, that's all ! 

Jack. We vvill probably feel more than scary by morning; that 
Irishman will be sure to squeel on us. Darn you — you are to blame! 

(Jack springs at Petk 

Pete, {sprinjing backwards) Wal, what's your terms? 

Enter, Mab, Pat, and Sambo, with officers, etc., c. D. 

Mab. Unconditional surrender ! (covers Jack with pistol 

Jack. Wild Mab— oh, God! 

Mab. Mabel Evans, if you please. Gentlemen, you may proceed 
with your dutj'. (officers tie prisoners hands behind them 

Pat. Bet yer neck we wdll ! 

t^ambo. Yas, sab, wid de greatest ob safety, missie. 
ilab. Kow, my wild eagles, forward march! 
Sambo. Yas, sah, yer'll neber scare dis darkey again ! 

(fixeunt c. i>.— Sambo singing ^^ Yankee- BoadU** 



18 WILD MAS. 

SCENE II— Parlor in Mr. Evans' house. 

Mr. 'E.YA.y.z cisrnvcred reading paper. 

Evans. Well, well, this is strange at any rate. Mabel is in love 
with Bert Allen ; but still she is so cool to him. I wonder if she 
would tell me about it; ha, ha, ha! not very likely ! 

Enter, Mab, e. 1 E. 

Mah. Hallo, papa! I am going to have company tliis morning 
and they are going to be reee ved in this room, too. 

{glancing shyly at him 
Evans, {laughs) Are they? Well, I am going down to the 
jffice ; good-bye ! 

Mah. Ta, ta! {exit, Evans, l. 1 e.) There, he has gone. I 
wish Mr. Allen would come. I believe I've got what Jack calls the 
heart disease; but it's a good kind to have, just the same. 

{sils at table — turns leaves of hook 

Enter, Sambo, l. I E. — hows very low. 

Sambo, {grins) A gemman wishes to speak wid you, missie. 

Mob. {starting up) Who is it. Sambo? 

Sambo. Well, you see, missie, it's dot Irishman, Pat. 

Mab. Pat? I wonder what he wants. Sambo, show him in. 

Sambo. Yes, missie. {aside) Golly, I wish I could watch dem ! 

{exit L. 

Mab. I wonder what he's after, now ! 

Enter, l. 1 e.. Sambo and Allen, still disguised as Pat. 
. Sambo. Mistah Paddy ! {aside) Golly, he mos' as good looking 
as dis darkey am ! {bows and exits l. 

•Mab. In the name of all that's good, where did you spring from, 
'Pat? 

Allen. Faith, and -where did ye think I come from ? 

Mab. The Lord only knows, I don't ! 

Allen. Sure and that's wliat I think mesilf. Didn't Mr. Allen 
tell ye where I was? 

Mab. No; did he know where you were? 

Allen, (aside) Now for a triul test! {aloud) Indeed he did. 
Say, ain't ye a leetle bit gone on that feller? ' {edging up to her 

Mab. Am I? I am more than gone on him. 

Allen. Faith, and I kinder thought so. 

Mab. Yes. Pat, I Jove him; he is my ideal. Give me his love 
and I will ask for nothing more. Ah, vvliat wouldn't I give if he 
were here! 

Allen. Faiih, and couldn't I tell him ! 

Mab. Do you think he would care to listen to you? 

Allen. Indeed he would I Begorra, mony'sthe time we've talked 
about ye — he's clane gone on ye, sure now I 

Mab. {clapping hands) Oli, he loves me too, does he? 

Allen. Sure> Jtiid if he didn't, he'd be a worst baste than he is 
now. Now, can't ye write a letter or something to ask him to come 
to see ye I Sure, he, 11 come as quick as lightning! 

Mab. Will lie? I'm going to try it just for fun. Wait till [ re- 
turn. 

Allen. That's it— now ye be quick about it. {exit Mab, ji.) 
Now I'll just fool her once. 



WILD MAB. 19 

Enter, Mab, e., with letter, 

Mab. (hands letter) YfS, liere it is I Now, you must make be- 
lieve you found ir, see? 'Jlien lie won't suspect anything. 

Allen. All roight— I'll jist be alter reading it, so I won't git 
caught telling i:es. {reads letter) Now, would ye be after telling 
all this to Mr. Allen? 

Mab. Yes, and a good deal more, Pat — 

Allen. Mr. Allen, if you please, {takes off disguise and bows) I 
wish you would repeat what you said just now. 

Mab. Wluit doL'S this meaii — can it be that Bert Allen and Pat 
are the same ? 

Allen. As true as my love for you, Mab I (puts arms around her) 
"Will you be mine, dearest? I love you dearer than life itself! 

Mab. {lauijhing) What's your terms? 

Allen. Unconditional surrender! 

M(xb. AVell, 1 suppose I might as well first as last. 
Enter, Evans and Sambo, l. 1 e. 

Evans. WeP, well — what does this mean? 

Mab. Wliy, it — it means — well — it — 

Sambo. 1 golly, massa, dat's jess what I said when I put dat pin 
on de schoorteacher's char. Ha, ha, ha! ! 

Eoans. I guess you hardly know what it means. Ha, ha, ha! 

Sambo. Hold on, massa; missie doan do anyting wid bar eyes 
ehut, dat am a fae', suaii ! 

Evans. Well, I think it means — Paddy has caught her at last. 

Sambo. (la^Kjhs) Dat's it, massa, dat's it — suah null"! 

Evans. Oh, I've known that this long time. 

Mab. Why didn't you tell me? 

Evans. Because we knew that was the only way to catcb you, 
do you see ? 

Allen. And we succeeded— do you forgive us? 

3Iab. Yes, with all my heart. 

Evans. Who ever heard a detective asking forgiveness? 

Mab. You won't be a dective any more, will you? 

Allen. Well, I will have to watch you after this, 

J/a&. Watch me— what for? 

Allen. I don't want you to fall in love with every Irish paddy 
that comes along. 

Sambo. Say, boss, dat was your fault. 

AJlen. That's all right. Sambo ! {takes Mab's hand — leads her to 
Evans) Mr. Evans, we would like your blessing. 

Evans. Well, there — may God bless you both, and may you be 
happy ! Take her, Bert, and may she prove a blessing to you. 

(Allen j)t(«s arms around her 

Sambo. Yes, and may the good people here always remember 
Wild Mab. (tribes to hug himself 

Mr. Evans, e. Allen and Mab, e. c. Sambo, l. 

CUETA IN. 

THE END. 

PBOPEBTIES. 
Picture to place on table ; dishes to set table ; tea kettle ; water ; 
pistols; lamp; detective badge; cot; whiskers for Allen when he 
disguises as Pat; looking-glass; pipe; bQOk; newspaper; tabJe and 
chairs. 



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i^^-NE W PL AYS.-..— ^ . 

Following are the Plaj^s recently added to the list of 

Ames' Series of Standard and MinorDrama 



Pheelim O'Rooke's Curse. 

An Irish Drama in 4 Acts, for 15 male and 4 female 
sharacters ; doubles in cast so that it can be produced by 
7 males and 3 females. The author, Geo. A. Simms, ia 
rapidly coming to the front as a play writer, and in this 
piece he seems to have displayed his talent in a marked 
degree. In this piece abounds fine situations, unlocked 
Lor developments, etc. ; can be produced by amateurs. 

SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. 

ACT I. Scene 1st — Laurel Court, Eiigiand. The appeal and re- 
fusul. Tiiewiiip. Tlireat. Curse of Pheelim O'Rooke. The hunt- 
ing party. Hugh Carlton. A dangerous servant. Song, "Bryant 
Olin!" 'J'lie accident. Mrs. Carlton and Olin. Scene 2d — Pheelim 
O'Koo'Ke. "Kevenge is sweet!" Scene'Sd — Death of Lord Carlton. 
"Pheelim 0'Kool<e it was !" 

ACT II. AScene isi— Bryant Olin and Hugh. A perilous under- 
taking. Hugh in danger. Scene ^(Z— Attempt to kidnap Hugh 
frustrated by Bryant. A cowardly blow. Scene Sd — Mrs. Carlton 
at liome. News of Hugh. Despair. The promise. Scene 4th— On 
the coiist. Biyant Olin as a detective; disguises as a fiddler, and 
meets tlie gang. Scene 5th — Biddy McGee, the "Island star." Hugh 
and Pheelim. "Caged at last!" The idiot boy. The wreck. 
Bryant Olin finds Hugh, and is discovered by Biddy, who gives the 
alarm. Scene Gth — Woods. Escape of Bryant. 

ACT III. »?certe isf— America. Hugh as newsboy. Ira Colton, 
a friend. Scend ^fZ.—0(fice of Ira Colton. Hugli as Peter Donelli. 
Olin in America, in search of Hugh." Scene 3d — The den. Pheelim 
and Peter. Peter tells his adventure. 5ce?ie ^t/i— Grog shop. Peter 
and Bryant. Bar-room fight. Scene 5th — The den. Peter and 
O'Kooke. Capt. Lennox. Peter's illness. Suspicions. 1'rouble 
ahead. A plan. O'Rooke drunk. Capt. Lennox carries off Hugh. 
Bryant in search of Hugh. "Too late!" Mrs. Donneyhue. The 
curse. 

ACT IV. /Scene is J— Club room. News of Hugh's escape. Len- 
nox and Clemment to the rescue. Scene M — Hugh escapes from 
window. Capt. Lennox and Clemment. The arrest of Capt. 
Lennox. Scene Sd — Capture of Hugh, by O'Rooke. Scene 4th — The 
(len. The bargain. Song. Kesciie of Hugh. Deatli of O'Rooke. 
Meeting of mother and son. End of the CUrse of Pheelim O'Eooke. 



THE CDMMERCIilL 

DRUMMER. 



A Drama in 3 Acts, by Tlioru Melross, for G lasile and 
2 female cliaracters. Tliis piece is immense. It is printed 
from the author's original raaaiuscript, and has been pro- 
duced with great success by the American Theatre Co. 
srxopsis. 

ACT T. Home of the late Ivicliard ISIarlow. Interview between 
Frank Eoss and Lawyer Dudley. The pious deacon and Verda 
MiJler. Eeading the will. Joe's do;^ collar, llichard Marlow, the 
false heir. The child of the Dark Continent in trouble. Three 
villains. '-Ten thousand to silence my tongue!" Zadie, the de- 
serted wife of John Dudley. An attempted murder. Joe's little 
''barkei-" interferes. Deacon and Joe. Frank and Verda; his 
resolve to become a "Commercial Drummer." Zadie gives Verda a 
home. ilr. Dudley's proposal to Verda, and the misunderstanding. 
Murder of Deacon Foote, and Frank accused. The struggle, "life 
or death !" 

ACTir. Zadie, Verda, and the tramp. "Painted benches." 
"My kingdom for some sou])!" Booth and Zadie. Attempted 
murder of Zadie; Ashtor, the tramp interferes, and makes Dudley 
hand over a "William." Booth and the Indian. Too much beer. 
The stolen will. Joe in the barrel. Target shooting. Verda's 
refusal to marry Dudley. Abduction of Verda, and Joe knocked 
down. 

ACT IIT. Ashtor and Booth. Corn plasters; "There's millions 
in them!" Olie, the Swede. Zadie, the <"-iisus taker. Two 
"bummers!" Rescue of Verda by Zadie. 1 rank di:;covered by 
Eichard, as Booth. "He must die!" A job for Olie. "In the 
soup!" Hot and cold boxes. Olie and Booth to the rescue of 
Zadie. Explanations. A new version, of McGinty. A love scene. 
Capture of Verda. Supposed death of Booth. Fright and death of 
Dudley. Capture of Eichard. Frank and Verda secure the fortune 
at last. Zadie avenged and the "Commercial Drummer" sells corr 
plasters no more. 



THE 

IntElli^EncE DfficE. 

An original Ethiopian Sketch in 1 Scene for 3 male char- 
acters — as produced at Tony Pastor's Opera House. 
This sketch is extremely ludicrous — costumes modern — 
time in representation 15 minutes. 



H AUNTED BY a S HADOW; 

— OIS,- 

Hunted -:- Down. 



A Drama iu 4 Acts for 8 male and 2 female characters, 
by Geo. B. Chase. Costumes modern, characters excel- 
lent ; and amateurs can easily produce it. 
8 YX OP SIS. 

ACT I. Scene 1st — Home of Judge Dean— Mrs. Warren meets her son, 
Will Warren, {alias Frank Hayes) whom she has not seen for years — Nora 
and her boy lover— Interview between Ralph Mouksly and Frank — A plan 
to get rid of Mrs. Warren — The "shadow" — Nora and Frank — The "ghost." 
Cuesar Orangeblossom — Lost papers — Felix Bolton, the detective, on the 
trail. /Sce'ie ^Jnrf— Caesar visits the office of Ralph Monksly — The drugged 
wine — "Caught in his own trap" — The quarrel — Dr. Radcliflf — The bargain 
c'osed. 

ACT II. Scene 1st — Judge Dean and the dectective Bolton — Frank's 
villainy exposed to the Judge. Scene Snd — The lunatic asylum— An answer 
to the advertisement — "U-a-u-k Hank F-i-n-n Finn — Hank Finn — Hank 
and the dog — Mrs. Warren, an inmate of the asylum — The brutal doctor — 
Rescue of Mrs. Warren by Hank. 

ACT II'. Scene 1st — The proposal — Judge Dean's request of Nora — Nora 
refuses Frank — His anger and threat — Legal papers — An English fortune — 
Mrs. Warren's decision — Abduction of Nora — The detective to the rescue. 
Scene Snd — Nora in the asylum — Escape of Nora — Death of Dr. Radeliff^ 
Papers found. 

ACT IV. Scene is<— Barney O'Toole In possession — He discovers a plan 
of robbery — The detective as a Dutch peddler — Frank and Ralph recognize 
him, capture and confine hlin in trunk — Barney releases him — The robbery 
— Death of Ralph — "I have kept my oath!" — Scene 2nd — Frank's villainy 
exposed— Barney, the rightful heir and son — Shadowed — The criminals to 
justice— Hnppy ending:. 

TwoAuntEmilys;or,Qmts. 

A Farce in 1 Act, by Martie E. Tibbets, for 8 female 
characters. This is an excellent little farce, consisting of 
light comedy, easy acting, racy dialogue and a good moral. 

SYNOPSIS. 
Quarrel between Dinah and Biddy. Aunt Emily, whose money the 
girls are trying to get. Mrs. Morton and the telegram. Dismay of Helen 
and Grace. Dinah lays down the law. Onions and cayenne pepper. 
Arrival of Belle Morton and her teacher, who is the rich Aunt Emily. 
Belle's joke on Aunt Emily. The lonff rnvh^M-d of sister found. Bella's 

ioke on the girls discovered, "Jfipp f«»a.Qw'it Emily secures a home. 
Jj'le gets even and calls it "Q'^%''L+; AQ 







^*^^<' 



